Solar Sheep: How Grazing Livestock is Revolutionizing Solar Farms

Missouri residents, have you ever wondered how much control utility companies have over your energy costs? A new interactive map from Renew Missouri allows you to see exactly how your area is impacted. This tool helps homeowners and businesses understand their energy burden—how much they pay for electricity compared to their income—and whether they’re paying more than they should. Missouri’s Rising Electricity Costs Missouri’s average monthly electric bill is around $172 due to an average consumption of 1,350 kWh per month at a rate of 13 cents per kWh . And these rates aren’t staying the same—electricity costs are expected to keep rising, making it more expensive to power homes over time.​

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially unfrozen $7 billion in funding for the Solar for All program, which was originally created under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) . The program aims to expand solar energy access to low-income and disadvantaged communities , helping households save on electricity bills while supporting clean energy initiatives. The funds had been frozen due to a January 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump, but following legal pushback and court rulings, the grants are once again available. What is the Solar for All Program? The Solar for All program is part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and was designed to ensure that historically underserved communities gain access to affordable solar energy . The initiative provides funding to states, tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations to support local solar projects that reduce energy costs and increase resilience against grid failures. Each state is using its Solar for All funding differently: New Jersey plans to allocate funds toward residential solar, multifamily housing solar, community solar projects, and workforce development programs to ensure more equitable access to solar energy. New York is leveraging its grant to enhance existing solar initiatives, focusing on overcoming key barriers for low-income households. Puerto Rico is directing its funds toward deploying solar-plus-storage systems, a crucial step in increasing resilience against frequent power outages caused by hurricanes. Washington, D.C. will use its funding to expand residential solar while supporting energy efficiency upgrades such as roof repairs and electrical improvements —steps that will increase solar adoption among low-income homeowners. Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland are also investing in solar deployment, workforce training, and community solar programs aimed at reducing the energy burden on disadvantaged households. Why This Matters for Homeowners With the funding now unfrozen , homeowners in many states will see new opportunities to install solar at reduced costs , thanks to government-backed programs that provide direct incentives or community-based solar solutions. Many of these initiatives also include options for solar-plus-storage , allowing homeowners to store energy for backup power —a major benefit during power outages. For those interested in solar but unable to install panels due to roof conditions or financial constraints, community solar programs supported by Solar for All funding may offer a way to benefit from solar savings without owning panels . What’s Next? While the future of clean energy policy remains uncertain, the successful pushback against the funding freeze shows that federal investments in solar energy are here to stay—at least for now . If you're considering solar, now may be the best time to explore available funding and incentives in Missouri and Illinois .  Looking to make the switch? SunSent Solar can help guide you through the process and find the best solar solutions for your home. Contact us today to learn more or read one of our latest blogs on How Much Money You Can Save with Solar?

The recent storms across the Midwest brought high winds and hail, both of which can cause significant—yet often hidden—damage to your roof. While everything may seem fine from the ground, ignoring potential issues could lead to expensive repairs, structural problems, and even health hazards down the road. Right now, SunSent is offering no-cost inspections to help homeowners assess the damage before it’s too late. What Storm Damage Looks Like (Even When You Can’t See It) Storms can harm your roof in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Some of the most common types of damage include: 1. Shingle Damage High winds can lift or tear off shingles, while hail can create cracks and dents. These weakened areas expose your home to leaks and can lead to mold growth over time. Even a small puncture in a shingle can allow water to seep in, which may not become noticeable until serious damage has already occurred. 2. Flashing and Sealant Damage Roof flashing (the metal around vents, chimneys, and skylights) is particularly vulnerable in storms. If wind or hail loosens it, water can leak into your home, leading to costly interior damage. In many cases, this type of issue isn’t discovered until water stains appear on ceilings and walls. 3. Structural Weakness When wind-driven rain gets beneath shingles or into cracks, it can weaken the underlying structure of your roof. Over time, this can lead to sagging areas or, in severe cases, collapse. Ignoring even minor storm damage can make your roof more vulnerable to future storms. 4. Debris Impact Falling branches or flying debris can cause punctures in your roof that may go unnoticed at first. Even if the puncture doesn’t immediately cause a leak, it can weaken the roofing materials, making your home more susceptible to water damage and insulation loss. Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get an Inspection Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that if there are no visible leaks, their roof is fine. However, the long-term effects of untreated storm damage can be devastating: Water Intrusion & Mold Growth – Hidden leaks can lead to mold and mildew, which not only damage your home but also pose health risks. Decreased Energy Efficiency – A compromised roof can allow air to escape, making your HVAC system work harder and increasing energy bills. Weakened Roof Structure – Over time, minor damage can grow into major structural issues, leading to costly repairs or even premature roof replacement. Pest Infestations – Gaps and cracks in the roof create entry points for rodents and insects. Once inside, they can cause even more damage to your home. Take Action Today – Get a No-Cost Inspection If your home was hit by the recent storms, don’t wait until it’s too late to address potential roof damage. SunSent Solar is currently offering no-cost roof inspections to help homeowners identify issues before they become expensive problems. Schedule your free inspection today and protect your home before the next storm hits. Call 636-757-3083.

Lowering electricity bills is one of the biggest reasons homeowners switch to solar. But how much can you actually save? The answer depends on several factors, including your energy consumption, roof suitability, financing options, and available incentives . Let’s break it down, using insights from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help you understand your potential savings. How Solar Savings Work 1. How Much Electricity Can You Produce? Your home’s ability to generate solar power depends on your roof’s size, shape, slope, and shading. South-facing roofs with a tilt of 15 to 40 degrees generally perform best. If your roof isn’t ideal, community solar programs can be a great alternative. 2. How Much Electricity Do You Use? Your utility bill shows your monthly electricity usage. The more energy you consume, the greater the potential savings. Some utilities also offer net metering , which credits you for excess solar power sent back to the grid, further reducing costs. 3. How You Pay for Solar Matters Solar panels can be financed in several ways: Cash Purchase – Highest upfront cost but delivers the most savings over time. Solar Loans – Spread out payments while still owning your system. Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) – No ownership, but you pay a lower rate for electricity from solar panels installed on your home. Each option affects how quickly you’ll break even on your investment. 4. Taking Advantage of Incentives The Federal Solar Tax Credit allows homeowners to deduct 30% of their solar installation costs from their federal taxes. Many states and utilities also offer rebates and incentives. You can check DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) for local programs. 

When it comes to roofing, the battle between metal and asphalt shingles has been going on for years. Shingles are the go-to for many homeowners due to their lower upfront cost, but metal roofing is gaining traction thanks to its durability and long-term benefits. So, which is the better choice for your home? Let’s break it down. What Are Asphalt Shingles? Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material , mainly because they’re affordable and easy to install. Made with a fiberglass base and coated with asphalt and ceramic granules, they come in sheets or rolls and are layered in a staggered pattern for coverage. While cost-effective, they have a shorter lifespan and require more maintenance over time. What is Metal Roofing? Metal roofs come in materials like steel, aluminum, tin, and even copper. These roofs consist of large, interlocking panels that create a strong, weather-resistant barrier. Metal roofing has a higher upfront cost, but its longevity and energy efficiency make it a popular option for homeowners looking for a long-term investment. Cost Comparison Asphalt Shingles: Generally cost between $3.50–$5.50 per square foot . More budget-friendly upfront but will likely need to be replaced within 20-30 years. Metal Roofing: Costs range from $4 to $30 per square foot , depending on the material. Higher initial investment but lasts 40-70 years, making it more cost-effective over time. Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing ✅ Durability: Can last over 60 years with minimal maintenance. ✅ Weather Resistance: Withstands wind, hail, and fire better than shingles. ✅ Energy Efficiency: Reflects heat, keeping homes cooler in warm climates. ✅ Eco-Friendly: Often made from recycled materials and fully recyclable. ❌ Higher Upfront Cost: More expensive initially compared to shingles. ❌ Potential Noise: Can be louder during heavy rain or hail without proper insulation. Pros & Cons of Asphalt Shingles ✅ Lower Initial Cost: One of the most affordable roofing options. ✅ Easier Installation: Widely used, so most roofers are experienced with them. ✅ Better for Colder Climates: Provides insulation and warmth in winter months. ❌ Shorter Lifespan: Typically lasts 20-30 years and may require multiple replacements. ❌ More Maintenance: Prone to weather damage, cracking, and leaks. ❌ Less Energy Efficient: Absorbs heat, making homes hotter in summer. Which Roof is Right for You? If you’re looking for a long-term, durable, and eco-friendly option, metal roofing is the way to go. If budget and ease of installation are your main concerns, asphalt shingles are a solid choice. Either way, regular maintenance and quality installation are key to ensuring your roof lasts as long as possible. At SunSent , we work with homeowners to ensure their roofing choices complement their solar investment. Contact us today to learn more about how the right roof can maximize your solar savings!

Your roof does more than just protect your home from the elements—it plays a crucial role in energy efficiency , indoor comfort, and electricity costs . In fact, the materials and color of your roof directly impact how much heat your home absorbs or reflects, which can mean the difference between sky-high energy bills and a comfortable, cost-effective living space . For decades, homeowners have faced a tough decision: Darker roofs absorb heat, which is great in the winter but can make summer unbearable. Lighter roofs reflect heat, keeping homes cooler in summer but making heating more difficult in colder months. But what if there was a way to have the best of both worlds —a roof that stays cool in the summer and retains warmth in the winter ? Thanks to recent scientific advancements, we may be closer to that reality than ever before. Fluorescent Roofing: A Game-Changer for Home Energy Efficiency Researchers have been studying a new category of roofing material called passive-colored radiative coolers (PCRCs), which use fluorescent dyes to regulate temperature year-round. Unlike traditional “cool roofs” that rely solely on white or silver reflective coatings, these fluorescent materials can be various colors while still offering cooling properties. Here’s how it works: ✅ Fluorescent coatings absorb and re-emit infrared light —keeping homes warmer in the winter while still reflecting heat in the summer. ✅ They can be used in multiple colors (like red, orange, and green) instead of just bright white, which can cause glare issues in neighborhoods. ✅ They help lower energy bills by reducing reliance on air conditioning and heating. The Science Behind It The key to these materials is a phenomenon called passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) . This means that instead of just reflecting sunlight, these materials emit excess heat back into the sky and even beyond the Earth's atmosphere . Traditional “cool roofs” work by reflecting about 80% of sunlight, but newer PDRC materials can reflect up to 98% —which can actually make a surface cooler than the surrounding air temperature . But one of the biggest challenges with traditional PDRC materials has been their effectiveness in winter —they cool surfaces so well that they can make homes too cold in colder months . That’s where the fluorescent dye comes in. By absorbing and re-emitting specific wavelengths of light , these new coatings can help retain some warmth in the winter while still reflecting excess heat in the summer. In studies, homes with these coatings were found to be up to 5.5°F warmer than traditional white reflective roofs in the winter while still maintaining excellent cooling effects in the summer. What This Means for Homeowners While fluorescent roofing materials are still being developed, they represent an exciting new frontier in home energy efficiency . In the meantime, there are already plenty of ways to make your roof more energy-efficient today . At SunSent , we specialize in high-performance roofing solutions that help homeowners in the Midwest cut energy costs, increase property value, and improve year-round comfort . Whether you’re looking for a roof repair , replacement , or a full solar + roofing upgrade , we’ll help you choose the best materials and solutions for your home’s unique needs. Why Now is the Perfect Time to Upgrade Your Roof With rising energy costs, increased awareness of sustainable building materials, and potential innovations like fluorescent roofing on the horizon, now is the ideal time to assess your roof’s condition. Plus, when you sign a roofing job with SunSent Solar, you’ll be entered into our Blues Tickets Raffle! 🎟️ 🔗 Schedule Your Roof Inspection Today and start saving energy while preparing for the future of roofing! Want to learn more? Read our latest blog on the hidden dangers of neglecting your roof repairs.

Choosing the best solar panels for your home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. At SunSent Solar , we believe that working with a trusted solar installer is just as important—if not more—than picking the best panel brand. However, if you're in the market for high-quality solar panels, it's worth knowing which ones stand out in 2025. Top 5 Solar Panel Brands in 2025 After reviewing thousands of solar panel models, experts have determined that the top five brands this year are Maxeon, REC, Panasonic, Canadian Solar, and Jinko. These brands were ranked based on efficiency, power output, durability, and warranty coverage.

The Hidden Dangers of Neglecting Your Roof in Missouri and Illinois Owning a home comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and while some maintenance projects can be put off, your roof isn’t one of them. Here at SunSent Solar , we’ve seen firsthand the damage that neglecting a roof can cause for homeowners in Missouri and Illinois. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense, and if you let it deteriorate, you could be looking at costly repairs and unexpected problems down the road. Why You Can’t Afford to Delay Roof Repairs or Replacement We get it—roofing projects can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re worried about the cost, or you think you just don’t have time for a major renovation. But the truth is, most professional roof replacements only take 1-2 days, and many roofing companies ( including SunSent ) offer financing options that make the expense more manageable. Delaying roof replacement may seem like a short-term solution, but it comes with long-term risks that could cost you far more in the end. Here’s why keeping your roof in top shape should be a top priority:

Solar energy is often praised for its environmental benefits and cost savings, but researchers at MIT have uncovered an unexpected advantage: cybersecurity. According to a recent study, solar panels, batteries, and other clean energy technologies could play a crucial role in stabilizing the electric grid in the event of a cyber attack or extreme weather event. The Growing Threat to the Power Grid The electric grid, as it exists today, is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats and unpredictable weather. A single attack or natural disaster can cause widespread power failures, leaving millions without electricity. MIT researchers believe that local electricity markets —networks of solar panels, batteries, and other smart devices—could serve as a decentralized backup system, reducing the impact of grid failures. How Local Electricity Markets Could Strengthen the Grid MIT's research highlights an innovative framework called Eureica (Efficient, Ultra-Resilient, IoT-Coordinated Assets). This system uses an algorithm to identify and coordinate trustworthy devices within local electricity markets. When a grid failure occurs, these connected devices—including home solar panels , energy storage systems, and EV chargers —can collectively respond to reduce demand and supply power where it is needed most. By leveraging internet-of-things (IoT) technology, solar and battery systems could communicate and optimize energy distribution in real-time. Homeowners participating in these local markets wouldn’t just be securing their own energy supply; they would also be contributing to a more resilient grid while receiving financial compensation for their contributions. Challenges to Implementation While the concept of local electricity markets is promising, widespread adoption will take time. For this framework to be effective, more grid-edge devices need to be IoT-enabled. While many modern solar panels and batteries come with smart technology, not all energy devices currently have this capability. Additionally, government policies and customer participation will play a critical role in bringing this idea to life. Without enough homeowners and businesses opting into these systems, the network of distributed energy resources may not be robust enough to counteract large-scale power failures. Supportive policies and incentives could accelerate adoption and make the grid more resilient in the face of increasing threats. A Step in the Right Direction Despite these challenges, the adoption of battery storage is on the rise, signaling progress toward a future where local electricity markets could be a reality. According to EnergySage’s 19th Solar & Storage Marketplace Report , 34% of homeowners purchasing solar in the first half of 2024 also installed a battery—a record high. At the same time, battery prices have dropped 16% year over year, making energy storage more accessible than ever. MIT’s research provides a compelling case for integrating solar and storage solutions into cybersecurity strategies for the grid. As technology advances and participation grows, solar power may prove to be more than just a renewable energy source—it could be a critical defense against power disruptions. SunSent Solar : Your Partner in Energy Security At SunSent Solar , we’re committed to providing top-tier solar installations that not only reduce your energy costs but also contribute to a more resilient grid. As experts in Midwest solar solutions, we help homeowners and businesses harness the power of solar energy for a more secure and sustainable future. Learn more about our solar and battery storage solutions at https://www.sunsent.com/solar-has-never-been-easier . Interested in learning more about solar? Check out our latest blog on the Cost of Electricity in 2024 and Why Solar is the Smartest Choice .